Description
Crispy, gooey air-fried mozzarella bites! A quick and easy appetizer or snack, perfect with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil recommended)
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the fresh mozzarella into roughly 1-inch cubes.
- In a shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk the two large eggs until well combined.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Arrange the three dishes in a row: flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Toss a mozzarella cube in the flour, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off excess flour.
- Dip the floured mozzarella cube into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Let any excess egg drip off.
- Transfer the egg-washed mozzarella cube to the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to coat on all sides.
- Repeat the breading process with the remaining mozzarella cubes.
- For extra crispiness, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb steps.
- Place the breaded mozzarella cubes on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours).
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded mozzarella cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Lightly spray the mozzarella cubes with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Carefully remove one mozzarella cube and check to see if the cheese is melted and gooey inside. If not, return them to the air fryer for another minute or two.
- Let the air-fried mozzarella cool for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or pesto. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the breaded mozzarella is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
- Air fryer cooking times may vary, so keep a close eye on the mozzarella.
- For extra crispy mozzarella, double bread them.
- Best enjoyed immediately while hot and gooey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes